Bakersfield, California

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Bakersfield Business Signs

Bakersfield’s economy has long been tied to the oil and agriculture industries. In fact, according to the City of Bakersfield Economic & Community Development, “Kern County is the most oil productive county in America, with around 10% of the nation’s domestic production.” Along with being an oil rich area, Bakersfield and the surrounding San Joaquin Valley ranks in the top five most productive agricultural counties in the United States. Indeed, according to a 2008 Kern County Agricultural Crop Report by the County of Kern’s Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards, major crops in the area include “grapes, citrus, almonds, carrots, alfalfa, cotton, and roses.”

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce claims the top employer in the area is the County of Kern, which is responsible for 7,475 jobs. The Giumarra Companies come in a far second, with 4,200 employees. Grimmway Farms comes in third, with 3,500 employees. Grimmway Farms was founded in the 1960s, and the Central Valley Business Times calls them “the largest grower, producer, and shipper of carrots in the world.” Bolthouse Farms is the fourth largest employer in the Bakersfield area. Bolthouse is responsible for 2,000 jobs and is also one of the country’s leading producers of carrots. They also sell a line of fresh juice beverages.

Bakersfield isn’t only about oil and agriculture, however. It also has other kinds of culture too! The Kern County Museum, established in 1941, focuses on the history of Kern County, with its main feature being Pioneer Village. This 16-acre ‘village’ contains “over 50 original buildings from around the county, related to life in the late 19th century.” The Museum also boasts the Lori Brock Children’s Discovery Center, Black Gold exhibit, and the Beale Memorial Clock Tower, which was originally constructed in 1904 and rebuilt in 1964.

Bakersfield is also home to three professional sports teams. They are the California League of Baseball’s Bakersfield Blaze, who play at Sam Lynn Ballpark. The Blaze were established in 1941 and have won two league championships. The East Coast Hockey League’s Bakersfield Condors play in Rabobank Arena. Basketball’s D-League’s Bakersfield Jam play in the Jam Events Center, and have one championship to their name.